GeneExpression-UniversityofOklahoma基因表达-俄克拉何马大学.docVIP

Lecture 18: 10-04-06 Gene Expression All biological information is stored in DNA. Genes specify the kinds of proteins that are made by the cells. DNA is not the direct template for protein synthesis. The messenger RNA (mRNA) is the intermediate of protein synthesis, and is produced in a process called transcription. Proteins are then synthesized according to the instructions on mRNA in a process called translation. In Prokaryotes Transcription and translation are coupled; protein synthesis begins even as the mRNA is still being transcribed. :82/hurlbert/micro101/images/TransTranscrip.gif The coding region of the gene is co-linear with the mRNA; the base sequence of the mRNA transcript is complement of that of the DNA template strand. In Eukaryotes Transcription and translation are uncoupled. Transcription first takes place in the nucleus. The primary transcript, referred to as pre-mRNA is modified into mature mRNA prior to being transported into the cytoplasm where translation takes place. /images/gene/mrna.jpg The coding regions of eukaryotic genes (exons) are interspersed with unexpressed regions (introns). In a process called splicing, the introns are excised, following which the flanking exons are joined or spliced together. A cap structure is attached to the 5’end and a sequence of adenylates, the poly(A) tail is added to the 3’end. The cap helps stabilize mRNA by protecting the 5’ ends from degradation by phosphatases and nucleases. The cap also serves as a recognizable starting site for translation. The poly(A) tail protects the 3’ end of mRNA from degradation. Recombinant DNA Technology  Promoters: Regions of genes that RNA polymerase bind to and therefore determine where transcription begins. The promoter sites are found upstream (5’end) of the tr